About

Chief Hecker began his career in law enforcementwiththe New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). During his 28-year career with the NOPD, Chief Hecker was awarded three Keys to the City, three Medals of Merit, 14 Letters of Commendation, and Supervisor of the Year. Chief Hecker rose to the rank of Captain and served as District Commander before retiring from the NOPD.

Chief Hecker is currently the Police Chief for the Harbor Police Department - Port of New Orleans. Chief Hecker oversees the department’s Uniformed Patrol Force, a Marine Division, a Detective Division with representatives on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Custom Border Patrol Task Force. Chief Hecker also manages the Department’s Police Academy and Training Center.

Because of his experience pertaining to port security, Chief Hecker has represented the Port of New Orleans on the “Hardball Show - Live with Chris Matthews” and “ABC World News Tonight,” and also has provided testimony to the Congressional Sub-Committee on Port Security.

For his efforts during the Katrina Disaster in New Orleans, Chief Hecker was named New Orleanian of the Year by Gambit Weekly, and was the recipient of several awards, including“Supervisor of the Year” by the Victims and Citizens Against Crime Organization; “Hero of the Storm” by Southern Women’s Magazine; “Hero of the Storm” by the WDSU Television Station; “Meritorious Service” by the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission; “Outstanding Service” by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; “International Police 9/11 Medal for Port Security” by the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police; and“National Service” by the New Orleans Ready Community Partnership.

Chief Hecker prepared a video presentation describing the events throughout the Katrina Disaster, including “Lessons Learned - the Katrina Disaster.” This presentation has been given to civic groups, police departments, international visitors, the Harvard Law School and various organizations across the country.

Chief Hecker is a member of the American Association of Port Authorities Security Committee, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police, the Area Maritime Security Committee, the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Chief Hecker attended Warren Easton High School, University of Louisiana - Lafayette and St. Mary’s Dominican College. In 1998, Chief Hecker was inducted into the Warren Easton Hall of Fame.

Chief Hecker added novelist to his list of achievements. “The Accidental Vigilante” is his debut novel.

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